The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most beautiful road trips in France. A must-see when visiting the region, this legendary scenic route winds through the vineyards from north to south for 170 kilometers, from Marlenheim to Thann. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey to discover the most beautiful towns and villages along the Wine Route—or, more precisely, my personal favorites!
Laurène Philippot
Laurène is the blog's creator. Originally from Brittany but now living in Alsace, she has fallen in love with her adopted region and loves exploring its every nook and cranny to unearth great ideas to share with you!
A Handy Mini-Guide: How to Explore the Wine Route?
Why are these villages so famous?
A picture-perfect setting: They are all nestled among the vineyards, backed by the lush foothills of the Vosges.
Unique architecture: Get ready to admire rows of half-timbered houses with multicolored facades, carved Renaissance-style windows, and imposing wine-growing estates.
An explosion of colors: The flowers adorning the balconies and alleyways in Alsace live up to their reputation, especially from spring through fall.
Which mode of transportation should I choose?
You can easily explore the route by car or bike ( which I highly recommend so you can take your time!). In the summer, the Kut’zig tourist bus ( an open-top hop-on, hop-off bus) also serves several villages in the heart of the wine region.
💡 My tip as a local: To get from one village to another, follow the “Route des Vins” signs closely and avoid the highway or expressway. It’s by taking the small county roads that the experience really comes alive!
Take a lunch break at a Winstub—one of those traditional brasseries with a cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere—to sample sauerkraut, tarte flambée, or other Alsatian specialties.
Which villages should you visit along the Wine Route? My 17 favorites
1. Colmar, the majestic “Capital of Alsace Wines”
Colmar isn’t really a village, since it’s one of the three largest cities in the region, but it is the beating heart of the wine-growing region. It’s a true architectural gem. Take the time to stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Petite Venise neighborhood or along the Quai des Poissonniers—it’s simply magical.
🍷 In the mood for a wine-tasting break? As the wine capital, this is the perfect stop to discover Alsatian grape varieties. Book a wine tasting here.
2. Kaysersberg, the jewel of the valley and its imperial castle
Located just north of Colmar, Kaysersberg is the heart of the stunning valley that bears its name. I never tire of the panoramic view of the vineyards as you descend into the valley from Colmar. Be sure to climb up to the ruins of its imperial castle to take in the view. Voted “France’s Favorite Village” in 2017, you’ll understand why the moment you set foot there!
🍷 Did you know? The valley is renowned for its majestic Grands Crus (such as the Schlossberg). A wine tasting here is a must! Book a winery tour here.
3. Eguisheim, the medieval town built in a spiral shape
Located just south of Colmar, Eguisheim has also been named “France’s Favorite Village” (in 2013). What makes it unique? The village is fortified and winds in concentric circles (like a snail) around its central castle. It’s a delight to stroll along its flower-lined rampart walk and step inside the family-run establishments in the town center.
🍷 Exceptional terroir: Eguisheim is nestled in the heart of the Alsatian wine region and is home to excellent winemakers with whom you can book a tasting.
4. Riquewihr, the very touristy “Pearl of the Vineyards”
Rightly nicknamed the “Pearl of the Vineyards,” Riquewihr is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Tucked away behind its exceptionally well-preserved ramparts, it boasts an incredible concentration of medieval houses in pristine condition. It’s magnificent, but be warned: the site is a victim of its own success—come early in the morning to enjoy it in peace!
🍷 In the vineyards: The village is surrounded by the famous Schoenenbourg Grand Cru. You can’t leave without trying it! You can book a tasting here.
5. Ribeauvillé, the charming medieval town of the Ménétriers
Right next to Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé deserves great credit for having preserved a truly vibrant local life that isn’t solely focused on tourism. This medieval town stretches out at the foot of three ruined castles. Its cobblestone streets, large half-timbered townhouses, and superb wine cellars make it one of my absolute favorites.
6. Obernai, the vibrant gem at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile
Obernai is a small, vibrant, and incredibly charming town that I absolutely love (it’s located right near my vacation rental!). Ideally situated at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile, it combines the charm of the past (a medieval belfry, ancient shaded ramparts) with a super-friendly downtown scene and great independent shops.
7. Molsheim, the peaceful town where the Bugatti brand was born
At the northernmost end of the Wine Route lies Molsheim, in an area that’s a bit less exposed to mass tourism but still very charming. I really enjoy visiting: it’s a small, quiet town, steeped in history (a former Jesuit stronghold) and featuring a beautiful central square. It’s also world-renowned as the historic home of Bugatti cars.
8. Rosheim, the best-kept secret of Romanesque art in Alsace
Located near Obernai, Rosheim is, unfortunately, all too often overlooked by travelers. That’s a shame! This small historic town boasts absolutely stunning Romanesque stone buildings, including an incredible 12th-century church that’s unique in the region. It’s also part of both the Alsace Wine Route and the Alsace Romanesque Route.
9. Boersch, a tiny fortified village full of charm
Right next to Rosheim lies Boersch, one of my favorite little secrets. It’s a tiny medieval village, but incredibly romantic! Be sure to walk through its fortified gates to admire its magnificent Renaissance town hall and its stunning six-bucket well.
10. Barr, a wine-growing town with Renaissance architecture
Another wonderful stop in the Bas-Rhin! Less exposed than its southern neighbors, Barr has incredible charm with its cobblestone streets winding up the hills. Its architectural highlight is its stunning Renaissance-style town hall. It’s a great place to take a quiet break for a wine tasting at an independent winery.
Barr
11. Mittelbergheim: The Elegance of Limestone
Mittelbergheim is a village unlike any other on the Alsace Wine Route. Here, there’s no abundance of colorful half-timbered houses! The village is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France for the perfect harmony of its Renaissance architecture, built of pink and beige limestone. It is a place of rare elegance, yet one that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
12. Andlau, the wine-growing village nestled at the foot of the mountains
Andlau is definitely one of my favorites because of its spectacular location. It’s impossible to get tired of the view when you arrive by car: the village, famous for its abbey and its fine wines, appears nestled among the vineyards and surrounded by mountain forests. It’s a true postcard scene.
13. Itterswiller, the vineyard’s grand flower-filled balcony
Itterswiller holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the very first places I visited in Alsace, long before I decided to settle there! I was staying at the beautiful Hôtel Arnold, and I was immediately captivated by the beauty of the flower-lined streets and the incredible view of the plain from the village’s hillside.
📸 The best spot: Park in the lot in front of the hotel—the view is simply stunning!
14. Scherwiller, the village of a hundred washhouses along the river
Located near Sélestat, Scherwiller was a wonderful surprise during one of my bike road trips. I absolutely fell in love with this large wine-growing village, through which a pretty river flows and which is lined with over a hundred stone wash houses. The winemakers’ houses there are stunning.
Bergheim is a charming little fortified village not far from Ribeauvillé. It boasts one of the few sets of ramparts in Alsace that are still fully accessible on foot. I love wandering through its old, colorful streets, where you can stroll in complete peace, far from the hustle and bustle of the neighboring villages.
16. Turckheim, its fortified gates, and the Night Watchman’s rounds
Located just outside Colmar, Turckheim is famous for its three magnificent fortified gates and the beauty of its central square. Its most distinctive feature is cultural: a Night Watchman in traditional costume still makes his historic rounds there every evening at 10 p.m., from May through October as well as during Advent. A fantastic experience to enjoy with the whole family!
17. Thann, the southern gateway and its majestic Gothic collegiate church
Thann marks the end (or the beginning!) of the Alsace Wine Route in the very south of Alsace. This small town is famous for its Saint-Thiébaut Collegiate Church, considered one of the region’s most beautiful masterpieces of Gothic art. After strolling through the town center, climb up to the ruins of Engelbourg Castle (nicknamed “the Witch’s Eye”) for a spectacular view of the steep Rangen vineyards.
Map of the most beautiful villages of the Alsace Wine Route
